Page 14 of Frozen Hearts

“Anyway, I think we’re going to try and be nice to one another from now on.”

Sushi had lost interest in her story. He ran to the door and waited to be let out. On days when Willow worked from home she would leave the back door open so that Sushi could come and go as he pleased. Sushi trotted happily outside and found a patch of sun to sit in. Willow smiled, it did her heart good to see Sushi so happy.

Willow stopped to make herself a mug of tea in the kitchen. There were still days when she missed Amy, but she was sliding into the comfort of being alone. Willow ate and went to bed when she wanted. If she stayed up late reading a book Willow didn’t have to worry about it annoying someone else. Willow sat at her desk and started to work.

The hours went by quickly, as was often the case. Willow knew that she tended to be single-minded sometimes to thepoint of determent. Her first clue that something was amiss was the sound of heavy rain falling outside. Willow stretched and checked the time. Her workday had ended thirty minutes ago. Her boss would scold her for working over, but ultimately he’d be grateful for her dedication.

“Sushi,” Willow called. There were times when Sushi enjoyed playing in the rain. But Willow was sure that the dog would come inside when called. When she didn’t immediately hear the sound of Sushi running inside, Willow went to investigate.

To her horror the backyard was empty. Disbelief set in and Willow moved through her home calling Sushi’s name. When it was undeniable that Sushi wasn’t inside Willow ran outside. Sushi was nowhere to be found. She was terrified to find a Sushi-sized hole dug under her fence. Willow growled in frustration and ran out back inside and through her front door.

She called for Sushi as loudly as she could manage over the sound of the pouring rain. But Sushi was nowhere to be found. Rain soaked through Willow’s t-shirt and streamed down her face. She could hardly see through all the rain. Willow was grateful that at least she had her shoes on.

Willow turned and ran down the sidewalk yelling for Sushi. Surely he couldn’t have gone far. A car pulled up beside her. The window rolled down and Willow saw that Mel was the driver.

“Willow, what are you doing?” Mel called through the pouring rain. Willow didn’t have time to be snarky. She ran up to Mel’s car and stuck her head partially inside the window.

“Sushi got out of my yard. I’m trying to find him,” Willow explained.

“Get in,” Mel demanded.

“What? Why?”

“Because my car is going to cover more ground than you will. And I’m going to help you.”

“Why?” Willow asked, still unbelieving.

“Willow, it’s pouring rain. Get in the car,” Mel said, her tone firmer now. Willow gave a simple nod of her head and climbed inside the car.

Mel’s car was warm and welcoming, a distinct contrast to the cold rain outside. Willow looked over at Mel and still couldn’t believe it was her who offered a ride. She felt the woman move up several notches in her mind.

“Thanks,” Willow said, her voice almost a whisper.

“For what?” Mel asked. Was this woman for real?

“For picking me up,” Willow smiled.

“Of course. We have a dog to find,” Mel smiled back.

In that moment Willow couldn’t remember why she’d ever found Mel annoying. They each stared out their own car window. Mel drove slowly down the road. Every once in a while Willow would roll down her window and call to Sushi. Something about Mel’s presence was oddly soothing. Willow found herself being happy it was Mel who had picked her up.

Chapter 7

Mel stared intently out her car window. Not that she could see more than ten feet in front of her car. Florida rain was a great balance to the Florida sun, and today it was coming down in buckets. Beside her, Willow sat with her arms crossed trying to keep warm. Mel glanced in the backseat and found her old flannel shirt. She grabbed it and handed the shirt to Willow. Willow looked at it confused for a moment.

“You’re cold. Put it on,” Mel demanded with a smile.

“Thanks,” Willow grinned and put the shirt on.

“Where are Sushi’s favorite places to go? Where do you take him on walks?” Mel asked. So far the drive through the neighborhood was turning up nothing.

Willow stared at her for a moment, her green eyes pondering her question.

“He really likes the beach,” Willow said.

“Then let’s try the beach,” Mel suggested.

Their subdivision had beach access so it was an easy drive. Willow gave a slight nod of her head, before staring out the window again. Mel couldn’t help feeling for Willow. She couldn’t imagine what a wreck she would be if Mase got out.